Breaker

A breaker generally refers to the industrial percussion hammer that is fitted to an excavator, used for digging of trenches, holes, foundations, demolishing rocks or concrete structures. It is powered by a hydraulic feed from the excavator that is attached with the aid of a foot-operated valve. They are popularly known as "Hoe Rams" or "Hoe Rammers" amongst construction and demolition workers. It is similar to a pneumatic drill or jackhammer that operates using compressed air for drilling rock and breaking up pavements.

The breaker is capable of breaking apart concrete structures like piers without the use of explosives. It utilizes a long arm with a jackhammer-like head that breaks apart the piers or other hard structures. It is fitted to the mechanical excavators or backhoes for roadwork and general demolition or constructional groundwork as they help in simplifying complex construction jobs while increasing efficiency and minimizing maintenance requirements on the most demanding jobs. It also helps in minimizing field accidents when undertaken risky manual work.

Some advanced breakers provide hydraulic cushioning, protecting the breaker and operating equipment hydraulic systems from constant pressure pulsations arising during operation. Advanced breakers provide increased flexibility that can be mounted on a wide range of equipment to suit a wide variety of applications.